LADDER
49 With Joaquin Phoenix, John Travolta, Morris Chestnut, Robert Patrick,
Balthazar Getty, Jacinda Barrett, Jay Hernandez Directed by Jay Russell
It has been a while since Ron Howard's Backdraft
was the definitive firefighter movie. Time ticks by and after September 11th firemen
have become the new heroes. This drama follows the life of a new rookie fireman
joining a close-knit Baltimore station, falling in love, marries, has kids, and
loses friends and colleagues as they fight fires. The fire sequences are well
executed and filmed. The tear ducts get turned on as the film flashes back through
Phoenix's character's time at the station while he's trapped in a building, his
team trying to get to him. Action, tension, joy and sorrow - what more do you
need from a Hollywood flick? Extras include a Making Of, deleted scenes and
Robbie Robertson music video. 3 / C - PB

LA
FEMME NIKITA With Anne Parillaud, Jean-Hughes Anglade, Tcheky Karyo, Jeanne
Moreau Directed by Luc Besson Nikita is a junky who ends up killing
a cop. She is sentenced to death. That’s what the world is led to know. In stead
she is taken up in a secretive governmental program, training assassins. She has
little choice. Her renewed lease on life turns her around, but at the cost of
killing others. Even her lover cannot know and her torment is deep and frustrating.
Amazing action sequences and great photography is only a few of the elements making
this a marvelous cinematic experience. The US remake, Point Of No Return and TV
series doesn’t come close to the original. A decade later and this movie still
kicks ass.6 / A -
PB

LAIBACH
-
2 These
Slovenian audio dictators never pandered to anyone, fulfilling their militant
slanted social / apolitical artistic expression freely since the '80s, often leading
to accusations and misunderstandings. On this DVD you'll find a performance of
their '94-'95 Occupied Europe NATO Tour. They've always been master cover version
artists (like the dark recreation of the entire Beatles
Let It Be album for instance), and here used popular songs to express their dissatisfaction
with the state of the war obsessed intolerant world, especially in Eastern Europe
and their surrounding countries. With their particular dramatic industrial rock
style (definitely loaned by successors like Rammstein),
they give a solid reworking to songs like The Final Countdown (Europe),
Dogs Of War (Pink
Floyd), Sympathy
For The Devil (Rolling
Stones), a
German version of Queen's
One Vision as well as tunes like War, In The Army Now, and 2525. Laibach
originals include the N.A.T.O. arrangement of Gustav
Holst, Alle
Gegen Alle and Wirtschaft Ist Tot (most of their original material in German).
A sometimes-cryptic documentary delves into this phenomenon known as Laibach,
their worldview, attitude, driving force and the misconceptions of their totalitarian
image. Several music videos are also included, like Vier Personen and another
dramatic, slowed down, characteristically low voiced cover of Opus'
Life Is Life. Whatever your view of them, they are are a group of striking power
that even went so far as to create their own virtual NSK state as opposition to
the military aggression of the world. 5
/ B - PB

LAKE
PLACID With Bridget Fonda, Bill Pullman, Oliver Platt, Betty White Directed
by Steve Miner And just when you thought it was safe to go back into the
water - or just when it seemed Steve Miner would never make another horror film
(aside from Halloween H20), the creator of Ally McBeal sorts out all of that.
Not exactly a horror film and not exactly a full-blown comedy, David E. Kelley
managed to weave an entertaining combination of both. When a diver gets chomped
in half, it isn’t taken lightly. Fonda is a dinosaur expert from a New York museum
sent to the sleepy Maine town to check out the scene, as a dinosaur type tooth
fragment was found in the victim. It happens to be a 30ft crocodile. Pullman is
the wildlife marshal and Platt the wealthy crocodile freak who wants to find it
for his own personal fulfillment. Tied together with a string of one-liners, wise
cracks and sarcastic rips, what we have is a fun filled thriller not intent on
chilling our blood as much as it could’ve. The thought of a freaky, murky lake
with a gigantic lurking crocodile is enough to send shivers up my spine, but it
is too light hearted to have us totally spooked. A few good scares are lined up,
though, as we descend into the eerie depths, knowing the croc can strike at any
moment. And when it does strike, the crocodile is not shy in leaving behind traces
of gory tit-bits that’ll have the squeamish squirming. The tongue in cheek attitude
and tone is so blatant that it leans more towards the comedic than horrific and
does diminish the possibility of some heavy scares. Even though you happen to
care for all the characters who are all equally full of shit in their own special
ways, you don’t want them to get gobbled up and somehow feel they won’t. But you’ll
have to see for yourself. 4 / A-
PB

LAND
OF THE DEAD With Asia Argento, Dennis Hopper, John Leguizamo Directed
by George A. Romero George A. Romero gave us the best zombie trilogy ever
in Night
Of The Living Dead,
Dawn
Of The Dead
and Day
Of The Dead
(see below). For decades his fans have been screaming for another and finally
it has arrived. This movie was approached from Romero's zombie universe perspective,
taking the logical plot of how the human race will deal with an epidemic of living
dead. Survivors have organized themselves to contain the zombies by fencing off
parts of the city with a defense force keeping the "stenches" (as they're called)
out. It has however created another class structure where those with the means
and breeding get to live it up in a luxury high rise called Fiddler's Green. The
rest have to live in slums on the ground. Teams are sent out to secure supplies,
at the same time thinning out the zombie population (ever so slightly). An armed
panzer vehicle, Dead Reckoning (owned by the kingpin of Fiddler's Green) is instrumental
in these operations. But the big man (played by Dennis Hopper) screws over Leguizamo's
character (doing his dirty work), who wants in at the Green (but he's not the
right "kind"). He tries to have him knocked off, but fails, resulting in the guy
stealing Dead Reckoning and threatening to blow up Fiddler's Green. At the same
time the zombies are becoming more conscious about their survival and led by a
gas attendant mass together and head for the city, re-learning basic skills along
the way (another evolutionary step further from the Bub character in Day
Of The Dead).
As a new species on its own, they make up the bottom of the ladder. Where Romero
used a black protagonist in both Night and Dawn, here his black hero is the one
leading the zombies - a nice twist. Besides Romero's consumers-run-rampant analogy
of previous flicks, this script is the most social and political thus far and
adds a very interesting dimension to the basic action and horror that can be delved
from the subject. With the single location concentration of the early Living
Dead
movies, this film does lack that intense dramatic focus of the previous installments,
but make a very cool addition to the series with enough gore for horror fans,
action for those who like it and a bit of a message beneath it all. Tom Savini
makes a cameo appearance as the leather jacket zombie from Dawn
Of The Dead,
and even if the movie were useless, this would be enough to get the fans cheering.
4 / B - PB

LASERHAWK
With Jason James Richter, Melissa Galianos, Gordon Currie, Mark Hamill
Directed by Jean Pellerin A teenager has visions of an alien invasion and
events unfold making it evident that he has a link there and that an impending
doom has to be prevented. A mental patient (yes, played by Luke Skywalker!) is
his only hope. 2 / C-
PB

THE
LAST CASTLE With Robert Redford, James Gandolfini, Mark Roffalo, Delroy Lindo
Directed by Rod Lurie Redford stars in this patriotic military prison
film. Gandolfini is the warden with no combat experience but very dedicated to
its tradition, history and theory. Inadvertently Redford becomes the prisoners'
leader, especially when he discovers how the administration is not playing by
the book. They decide to take matters into their own hands and take over the prison.
Though it's one to add to the prison genre, the "Pwaah-Pwaah" military music driven
annoyance and quasi-patriotism are not isolated grating points in this "defying
authority to maintain honour" theme - will make many viewers groan with tedium.2 / C - PB

THE
LAST OF THE BLONDE BOMBSHELLS With Judi Dench, Ian Holm, Leslie Caron, Olympia
Dukakis, Cleo Lane, Joan Sims, Billie Whitelaw, June Whitfield Directed by
Gillies MacKinnon This delightful little reminiscent British comedy follows
the last mission of an elderly woman who wants to make a final significant point.
During the war she was a member of an all-girl big band (except for the lad who
played drums in drag, getting into all the gal's pants but hers). When meeting
up with him again in their autumn years, she remembers the good (& bad) times
and decide to get the band back together to play at her granddaughter's school
dance. The task is not an easy one as she tries to track them down (with the aid
of several flashbacks), all of them changed in more & different ways than the
obvious ones. Will they put past differences aside and have one final blast? A
heartwarming English show reminding you that merely because someone's follicles
are grey, it doesn't mean their sell by date is up. 3 / C - PB

LAST MAN STANDING With Bruce Willis, Bruce Dern, Christopher Walken,
Michael Imperioli, David Patrick Kelly Directed by Walter Hill Based
on Yojimbo, the Kurosawa film which was also got a westen version in the shape
of A Fist Full Of Dollars by Leone with Eastwood. A loner rolls into a dusty town
during the Depression years. Two opposing mob gangs are located here and he soon
starts playing them both. Glorious John Woo style action and a dusty, glowing
orange texture. Moody and dark at times. 4 / B -
PB

THE
LAST SAMURAI With Tom Cruise, Jo Jo Spangler, Billy Connolly, William Atherton
Directed by Edward Zwick This sweeping big budget semi-epic deals with Nathan
Algren, a washed-up alcoholic US Army hero who gets employed to train Japanese
soldiers in the art of Western warfare during the 1870s. He is haunted by the
atrocities perpetuated upon the Native Americans. A faction of custom-bound Samurai
opposes the council who overpowers the decisions of the youthful emperor. In a
skirmish with the sword-wielding traditionalists, the unprepared army is decimated
and Algren is captured. With winter coming, they keep him in their village until
he can be returned. Taken in by their leader's sister (whose husband was killed
in the battle by his hands), he learns of their traditions and sense of honour.
He learns their language, using a sword and obviously starts falling for the woman
of the man he slain. On returning he is expected to lead the now well trained
forces with modern weaponry to crush the resistant samurai. He turns sides however
and fights against the westernized forces. Some busy fighting sequences and languid
visual moments make this worth the watch, but did not stir me as much as the filmmakers
would have liked me to (what with preemptive music and often obvious over-passionate
acting turn from Cruise). Rather check out a real Akira Kurosawa samurai movie.
(After this and Kill Bill
I'm sure the sales in samurai
swords are soaring). 3
/ C - PB THE
LAST SUPPER (in Afrikaans) Met Cameron Diaz, Courtney B. Vance, Annabeth Bish,
Bill Paxton, Ron Perlman, Ron Eldard Regisseur: Stacy Title Hierdie donker
komedie span 'n groep vriende saam wat per ongeluk tot die besluit kom dat dit
hulle plig is om die wereld te verlos van potensiele "Hitlers" in alle vlakke
van die samelewing. Hulle nooi hierdie mense vir aandete en probeer hulle oorreed
om hul beleid te verander - so nie, die gif wyn ! Vanselfsprekend broei die onderlinge
verskille tussen die groep vriende soos die grondhope in die agterplaas al hoe
meer word. Heelwat bekende gesigte kan gesien word in die gedaante van die gaste
wat hul laaste maal geniet. 4 / C-
PB

THE
LAST TEMPTATION OF CHRIST With Willem Dafoe, Harvey Keitel, Barbara Hershey,
Harry Dean Stanton, David Bowie Directed by Martin Scorsese It is unbelievable
that this brilliant film got so much flack at time of its release in 1988. People
even tore down cinema screens in protest of this "blasphemy"! If they had gone
through the trouble of actually watching the damn film and judging on that (as
opposed to taking the word of high & mighty ignorant idiots branding the film
as heresy), many of them would've gone "oh, I get it". Even South Africa banned
it for a very long time, not even allowing a specially permitted screening at
a festival(!). Sad. Pathetic and very sad. Even though it follows the Gospel of
Jesus pretty accurately, the film starts with a note by its writer, Nikos Kazantzakis,
stating that it is not in fact based on it, but an exploration of his struggle
between life as a man and that of the spirit. Scorsese's writer/director buddy
Paul Schrader (who also wrote the Scorsese directed Taxi
Driver) adapted the book and
did a marvelous job, as did Scorsese in tackling the issue of Jesus, who was in
fact a man. Questions of human feelings, -reasoning and -interpretation of situations
becoming more focussed than just the good deeds performed by a blonde, blue eyed
Hollywood Jesus acting all pious and ultimately getting killed. The not so pretty
Dafoe does an amazing job as Jesus of Nazareth who is wracked with confusing and
conflicting emotions and feelings, hearing voices, feeling driven towards some
uncertain purpose. He wasn't just born an all knowing Messiah. Keitel makes a
compelling Judas (in a Noo Yawk kind of way), a figure who gets a bit more credit
here (as a friend of Jesus) in stead of the conniving sell-out. If he had not
done that, Jesus' destiny would not have come to fruition (however painful), man's
sins would not have been forgiven and there wouldn't be such a thing as Christianity...
In this more realistic approach Jesus grew up as a carpenter and had to face this
intense struggle alone before it all made sense. What freaks Bible bashers out
the most with this (the best rendition of Jesus' life), is not just the analyses
of God's intentions, the nudity or graphic crucifixion scene, but a "what if"
scenario that makes absolute sense - He was a human being, not a floating spirit.
Believers, atheists and agnostics alike can really appreciate this film for its
brave, pragmatic and artistic approach, which is in no way blasphemous - the compelling
imagery and interpretations fresh and exciting. The Peter Gabriel soundtrack is
utterly spectacular, collaborating with an array of North African musicians, creating
unforgettable themes. (I've had the double vinyl album for over a decade and finally
got the CD before the grooves disappeared). Its various nominations aside, this
epic 157-minute experience will in fact make non-believers look upon the Jesus
figure with more respect while those already convinced will have their beliefs
reinforced as opposed to shattered (like the prudes tried to have everyone believe).
With the long running time, I guess there wasn't much space for any extras. You
only get a cinematic trailer, 5 language options and 14 subtitle choices. The
splendid digitally remastered sound and 1:1.85 anamorphic widescreen format makes
my video copy (which I purchased in the UK while it was still forbidden here in
South Africa) totally obsolete. Immerse yourself in this passionate visionary
film and take the chance to see what greatness we'd been deprived of - like salvation,
rather late than never… 6
/ B - PB

THE
LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN With Sean Connery, Stuart
Townsend, Jason Flemyng, Shane West Directed by Stephen Norrington This fun,
vibrant adventure throws together a motley bunch of well-known fictional characters
(headed by Alan Quatermain) to thwart a warmonger. The characters include Dr.
Jekyll (of Mr. Hyde fame), Captain Nemo, the invisible man, Dorian Gray (the immortal
guy with the aging painting) and a female vampire. While they club together with
Nemo's fantastic machines at their disposal (great elaborately designed submarine
and car visual a highlight), there is a deceiver in their midst. Lots of enjoyable
action but a little drawn out in parts. 3
/ B - PB

LEAVING
LAS VEGAS With Nicolas Cage, Elizabeth Shue, Julian Sands Directed by
Mike Figgis This painful masterpiece places Cage in his Oscar winning role
of a man who decides to move to Las Vegas to drink himself to death. He meets
a prostitute and their relationship grows, although he’s fading. Shot in 16mm,
it adds to the more gritty realism of the situation, the neon seeming cheaper,
the faces more real, less glamorous, more vulnerable. There might be a strong
sense of twisted morals and a fucked-up sense of self-worth, but the harshness
of the film’s emotional intensity doesn’t push the audience away - in stead it
draws you in. The humour is not excluded, but don’t expect a laugh a minute. This
is a serious drama that surpasses the general stereotype of what such a genre
should entail in almost every way. Sure, we sympathize with the characters and
hope they see the light. Love is represented here a very unconventional way and
perhaps more pure than it seems. 6 / B-
PB

LEFT
BEHIND - World At War With Lou Gossett Jr., Kirk Cameron, Brad Johnson, Jessica
Steen, Gordon Currie Directed by Craig R. Baxley The cover does not explicitly
state that this is in fact Left Behind Part 3, but it does mention it is a continuation
of the best selling books Left Behind, and Tribulation Force. World peace and
a looming 3rd World War is threatening to lead to the annihilation of millions
of lives. The president played by Lou Gossett, Jr. is a hands-on guy who has to
juggle between his common sense and spiritual strength. It would help if you've
read the books or seen the first two movies to find the thread of this film with
its strong religious overtones, especially with the Revelations element inherent
in this Armageddon / Rapture tale which incorporates biological terrorism in the
shape of poisoned Bibles. In this future state, there are three factions: the
Christians, Militia and Global Community, with the Devil and God's followers on
opposing ends. Besides having that TV movie mood, having Gossett and Kirk Cameron
(Growing Pains) in the lead cast doesn't help either. While shot in Canada, the
White House also gets destroyed as our heroes try to stop the main villain from
destroying everything by relying on their faith. Where the final shot of a movie
can leave a lasting impression, here it is a very poor one. Special Features:
Bloopers Reel; Deleted Scenes; Featurettes; Christian rock band music videos by
Grand Prize and Pure; Photo Gallery; Trailers; Commentary track with co-writer
/ co-producer André Van Heerden whom I expected to have South African accent but
has a Canadian one. 2
/ C - PB

LEGIONNAIRE
With Jean-Claude Van Damme, Steven Berkoff, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaji
Directed by Peter MacDonald Van Damme is better known for his high kicking
martial arts skills than his acting. Here he seems to try and break into the acting
market with a tale about a boxer in 1925 France who refuses to take a dive and
try to run off with his ex-girl (who now belongs to the villain who wants him
to lose). After a chase and several deaths, he finds himself at the French Foreign
Legion office. As a matter of life and death, he joins up and gets sent to Morocco.
Here a mixed bag of nations make up a squad who are up against arid land, heat,
miles to march and a native horseback army outnumbering them. Befriending an Italian,
an African American and a Brit, they stick through internal struggles, their fascistic
superiors and the country they find themselves in. With Van Damme assisting in
the production and story side of things as well, it is an admirable attempt, but
it very much plays off like a more violent version of the French Foreign Legion
films of old. So, if you like that kind of thing, you might just love this. (Not
just reserved for Van Damme fans). 2 / B-
PB

LE
LIBERTIN With Vincent Perez, Fanny Ardant Directed by Gabriel Aghion
It is 18th century France. Monsieur Diderot is working hard at completing
the Encyclopedia, which has the free thought-oppressing church and authorities
freaking out. While it is already banned, copies are still making it to the people.
This is because Diderot is running a secret printing press at the chateau of Baron
D'Holbach. A Libertin and proud of it, Diderot's insatiable appetite for everything
natural (especially sex) seems to know few bounds. His foundations get tested
by two visitors who arrive at the chateau on the same day. The one (who can have
him thrown in jail) is the Baron's Cardinal brother, but does very little to upset
Diderot in his quest - in fact he revels in taunting the prude. The other visitor
is a painter, Madame Therbouche who is commissioned to paint a portrait of Diderot.
Her pursuit to capture him as nature intended is juxtaposed by his undeterred
urge to "get natural" with her! With its naughty sense of humour the film is driven
by the urgency for Diderot to get the next volume of the Encyclopedia completed
in order to have it shipped off. But, his shifting ideas on Morality (illustrated
in various ways, including conversations with Madame Therbouche) make it hard
for him to decide on one definite concept, constantly returning to revise the
whole thing. The result is a fast paced period comedy with the occasional serious
undertone. One of the outstanding characters is the Baroness D'Holbach, with her
introduction of new delicacies (from chocolate and caviar to popcorn), her consumption
of magic mushrooms and numerous attempts to keep her priestly brother in law away
from the chapel where the printing press is under way - confessing to the most
ludicrous of offences. Her husband has a string of silly inventions like a pig
organ while Diderot's wife is sick of being cheated on, his latest pursuit, Madame
Therbouche holdin a few mysterious qualities he can't put his finger on. But in
his pursuit of pleasure, he can't seem to care - although it does affect his way
of looking at the Morality issue, constantly revising it. Separating thought and
human need should seem hard for him, but he merely lives life to the full. With
its tongue firmly in its cheek, this film makes a change from the far too often
over-serious period pieces released on the Arthouse circuit. 4 / B
- PB

LENNON
LEGEND - The Very Best Of John Lennon If there
is only one word to describe the most rebellious ex-Beatle,
"Legend" would certainly be one of the first choices. This 20 track DVD includes
most of his best known videos like Imagine, Mother, Jealous Guy, Love, Mind
Games, his rendition of Stand By Me, (Just Like) Starting Over,
Power To The People, Woman, Borrowed Time and the glorious Give Peace A
Chance. From love songs to protest songs, they're all here. Without over-glossy,
big budget approaches, the more gritty, arty, docy look of the Lennon videos
encapsulated his personality more than any over-stylized clip ever could, Yoko
also an integral part of every facet. Some of the special features include a special
video for Working Class Hero made for the Anthology series, created
like a documentary of John's life, narrated by himself. There are separate live
versions of Slippin' & Slidin' and Imagine, the latter his last ever performance;
animated line drawings by Lennon and never before released footage. An
incredible body of work from an amazing musician cut short in his prime.5
/ A - PB

LEON
aka The Professional With Jean Reno, Gary Oldman, Natalie Portman
Directed by Luc Besson A professional killer gets saddled up with his
teenaged neighbour when a crooked cop wipes out her family. Their relationship
grows (into what prudes feel is a bit too risqué, bordering on near pedophilia).
She has nothing left and asks the seemingly emotionally cold Leon to teach her
his craft. Reno is amazing as the assassin with morals, while Portman’s debut
is stunning. Oldman really lives himself into the bad cop role, rounding the ensemble
off as one fine conflicting pool of intensity, class and visual grace. Thrilling,
tense and, like every Besson film, classy. A Director’s Cut is said to expose
far more than the original release. 6 / A -
PB

LEPRECHAUN
With Warwick Davis, Jennifer Aniston, Mark Orlandt, Mark Holton Directed
by Mark Jones Feeling very much like a TV movie, this silly little flick
has a few laughs (very few). A man stole a Leprechaun's
pot of gold and he wants it back. The guy traps him in a box in the basement by
putting a four-leafed clover on top of it. Years later a girl and her dad obtain
the house to fix it up. The clover gets swiped off and the two-foot monster escapes,
still after his gold. Only a few deaths result and the pace drags on. Two of the
most significant bits is Willow
star Warwick Davis as the diminutive Leprechaun
in buckled shoes and hat, and a pre-stardom Jennifer Aniston, who also looks a
bit pre-rhinoplasty! With about 5 sequels, somehow this nasty little bugger seems
to have a substantial fan base. 2 / C - PB

LESLEY
GARRETT - The Singer Talented singer Lesley
Garrett's
BBC TV special includes ten tracks accompanied by languid, calm and serene British
landscapes, hills, valleys, rivers and streams, aerial shots and country scenes.
The visuals also include performance footage of Garrett
shot in cozy, homely surroundings. The songs include originals like musical producer
Tolga Kashief's
A New Heaven, traditional arrangements like O Waly Waly, Lagan Love
and Brezairola, and classic songs from Simon
& Garfunkel's
Scarborough Fair and Lennon
& McCartney's
Let It Be. Other lovely renditions include C.
Hubert Parry's
Jerusalem and Michael
Head's The
Singer. Interspersed between the songs there are poetry extracts from renowned
poets like William
Blake, W.B.
Yeats, D.H.
Lawrence,
Robert Graves
and James
Joyce, adding
an extra artistic air. At only around 50 minutes and no extras, you really have
to be a big fan to dish out for this lovely production that feels very much like
Sunday afternoon TV fair (directed by David Barnard). 4 / C - PB

Classic
LEVEL 42 The jazz flavour these talented musicians added to their pop music
in the '80s distinguished them from the usual crowd. They were als not a pretty
boy group. These 10 music videos include Something About You, To Be With You
Again, Running In The Family, Hot Water, Tracie, Take A Look, Love Games, Leaving
Me Now, Heaven In My Hands, and The Sun Goes Down (Living It Up). While
the videos are far from mind-blowing, the music is quality stuff. No extra features.
4 / B - PB THE
LIFE AND DEATH OF PETER SELLERS With Geoffrey Rush, Charlize Theron, Emily
Watson, John Lithgow Directed by Stephen Hopkins This HBO-made film
on the life of comedic actor Peter Sellers covers his personal highs and lows,
emotional state and artistic accomplishments from the Goon
Show radio days to
his break into cinema, through until his death. The filmmakers don't try to sugarcoat
his nasty side that came out frequently together with his insecurities. The funny
moments are there, but also the sad. Throughout Rush's amazing performance, he
lapses into the roles of those close to him, from his mother and father to his
wife and Pink Panther
director (Blake Edwrads), altering his life's events to seem more rosy and justified
to himself. PS. What I find shocking is the fact that some idiot actually
thought it was a good idea to remake the Pink
Panther with Steve
Martin in the lead…! 5 / B - PB THE
LIFE AQUATIC With Bill Murray, Owen Wilson, Cate Blanchett, Anjelica Huston,
Willem Dafoe, Jeff Goldblum Directed by Wes Anderson Amid the barrage
of crap cinema, luckily we have off-centre greats like this one slipping through
the prepackaged Hollywood system. Director Anderson's highly acclaimed Royal Tennebaum
actors Huston and Luke's brother Owen Wilson deliver great characters together
with Dafoe, Blanchett and Goldblum. But it is Murray who obviously steals the
show as Steve Zissou, the charismatic, but greatly flawed oceanographer and leader
of his mixed crew. Zissou's recent documentary receives a lukewarm response at
a film festival. In it his friend got nabbed by a gigantic, mythical shark. He
plans to shoot a sequel to this documentary as they head out to find and kill
this shark. But, he has to contend with his over-funded rival, a journalist, his
temperamental wife and a man who may possibly be he son. The humor is dry, nonchalant,
wacky and sometimes over the top, yet all played totally straight, even when the
cartoonish touches become surreal. Animation for fictitious sea and animal life
was handled by Nightmare Before Christmas director Henry
Selick. Some fantastic
cheesy soundtrack moments, a great ship set and a crew member singing David
Bowie songs in Portuguese
throughout the film are only a few of the many enjoyable aspects to this absolutely
brilliant movie experience.5 / B - PB

A
LIFE LESS ORDINARY With Ewan McGregor, Cameron Diaz, Holly Hunter Directed
by Danny Boyle Oddball comedy with a great sense of style and class. Rich
brat daughter of McGregor’s boss gets kidnapped by him when protesting against
his retrenchment as a cleaner in favour of robots. They’re on the lam and she
ends up in control of the situation. They do fall in love (obviously) and decide
to take her dad for a financial ride. It’s not that simple, though asa there are
two angels who need to earn their wings by getting them to fall for each other
(or kill them if they don’t). The film is pretty out of the ordinary. 4
/ B-
PB

LIFE
OF BRIAN With Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Eric Idle, Michael Palin, Terry
Jones, Terry Gilliam Directed by Terry Jones The second Monty Python feature
film was condemned for being blasphemous and in poor taste. In fact, it is a great
study on human social behaviour, misunderstanding and our urge to mystify whatever
we don't understand. One sidesplitting, quotable scene follows on the other as
Brian, a poor nobody, is mistaken for the messiah. Directed by fellow Python,
Terry Jones, this gem should be classed among the ranks of such Biblical epics
as King of Kings and Ben Hur, even though it was made on a third of their catering
budgets. It also scores 99% more laughs than Charlton Heston ever could...OK,
make that 98%. 5 / A-
PB

THE
LIFE OF DAVID GALE With Kevin Spacey, Kate Winslet, Laura Linney, Gabriel
Mann Directed by Alan Parker A renowned university lecturer fighting
against the death penalty in Texas ends up on death row himself for the murder
of a close friend and fellow protestor at death watch - which makes this more
"The Subsequent Death Of David Gale", but through the narrative and
flashbacks we get a reflection of his life leading up to this critical point.
The last week before his execution he grants a young journalist three interviews
where his personality, the background of his case and clues start to unfold. He
maintains his innocence and believes someone has framed him. Expect
red herrings, blurry lines between truth and lies. David Gale
is a far cry from the musical slant Alan Parker has had in a large part of his
past work (Bugsy Malone,
Fame,
The Wall,
Commitments,
Evita),
but ends up no less effective. Besides many of the underlying social and political
motivations in these films, this one slots in more directly with his work like
that of Mississippi Burning.
Though he feels strongly about the subject, you don't get to feel that 'Parker
mood' that you'd encounter in say, a film like Angel
Heart or Birdy.
While Kevin does his Spacey thing regardless, it just feels as though any one
of a few dozen directors could've landed the same result. But then, the film is
more content- & subject- that visually driven. Parker's sons supplied the soundtrack
which drives the viewer along its tense denouement. The film was co-produced
by Parker and Nicholas Cage.4 / C - PB

LIKE MIKE With Lil' Bow Wow, Morris Chestnut, Jonathan Lipnicki,
Crispin Glover Directed by John Schultz In the spirit of classic live
action Disney films, we have the big dreaming orphan, his buddies and the
magical event that turns everything around, this time set amid the world of the
NBA. In his big screen debut, pre-teen rapper Lil
Bow Wow is
Calvin, the orphan in question, with dreams of becoming a basketball player, but
is constantly bullied and trodden on. When he gets a pair of second hand sneakers
at the orphanage initialed MJ (could it be Michael Jordan?), his life starts to
turn around. After the local bully throws his shoes onto the power line, he fetches
it at night in the rain. Zapped by lightning, the magic starts. At a basketball
game Calvin wins the chance to play a halftime one-on-one against a member of
the Knights. Unbelievably he wins and he is convinced his awesome leap was due
to the magical shoes. All he and his friends want is to be adopted by a nice family,
but the guardian at the orphanage is a bit of a bastard (played by the quirky
Crispin Glover) and sees a money opportunity in Calvin, especially when he gets
hired by the team as a novelty act - until he really has to play - but, he dare
not attempt it without his tattered magic sneakers. The player he humiliated in
the one-on-one (the smooth Morris Chestnut) has to be his room-mate when they're
on the road. It is no surprise how the kid constantly annoys him, but being the
kind of movie that it is we know it won't last forever. Like
Mike is hardly an American
Bend It Like Beckham,
but a sweet family film that combines family hopes & values as well as sports
and youngster comedy to varying effect - depending on your age. 3 / C
- PB

LILO
& STITCH With voices by Ving Rhames & others Directed by Chris Sanders
& Dean Deblois True to Disney's multi-cultural tradition, this
time round Hawaii and a genetically created alien get thrown in the mix. A 1ft
tall disaster area known as Experiment 626 is the result of an illegal genetic
experiment by Jumba, a scientist in another galaxy. Condemned he escapes in a
space ship and hyperspaces it to earth, crash landing on Hawaii. Lilo is a restless
little girl whose older sister (& guardian) has a hard time keeping her in line
- the child services on the verge of taking her away (their parents killed in
a car crash). Experiment 626 retracts his second set of arms and other protruding
bits when he ends up in the dog kennels, with Jumba and an idiotic aide sent to
catch him. When the two sisters pop in to get Lilo a dog to keep her busy and
out of trouble, he gets picked (outsiders attracting one another). This is a good
diversion for him as Jumba has to be very careful, not able to merely zap him
around Lilo and other humans. Lilo names him Stitch and together they get up to
a whole lot of mischief, accidentally and deliberately - Stitch/626's nature being
a destructive one and Lilo being a frustrated child who longs to have a full family,
lashing out in different ways. Elvis
features heavily in this fun filled animated film with everything from action,
adventure and music to family lessons, love and friendship. 3 / B
- PB

THE
LIMEY With Terence Stamp, Peter Fonda, Joe Dallesandro Directed by Steven
Soderbergh Pretty interesting little film about an English ex-con travelling
to the States to find out how his daughter died (echoing the theme of Get Carter).
It puts him on the trail of a wealthy record producer of the 60’s who seems to
be responsible for her death. Leaving a few bodies in his wake, the producer’s
security guy puts a contract out on him. With forward- and back-flashes (some
taken from an old Stamp film), The Limey has a fresh, daring, interesting and
fluid style. Quite an unusual, brooding film with the violent undercurrents and
graphic depiction just as blatant as the dark humour - a far cry from Soderbergh’s
Oscar nominated & wining Erin Brockovich… PS. Features an aging Joe
Dallesandro, the young hustler who appeared in many of the Andy Warhol / Paul
Morrissey movies (as well as the little Joe in Lou Reed's Walk On The Wild Side
song).4 /
B -
PB

LIMP
BIZKIT - Greatest Videoz The
dozen music videos by one of Nu-Metals biggest exports were all directed by vocalist
Fred Durst,
except for their first video Counterfeit (by Roger Pisotle and Johnathan Craven)
and Boiler was co-directed with Dave Meyers. Their cover of George
Michael's
Faith uses footage from the Family Values Tour. Nookie consists of a performance
in city. Break Stuff features fans and star buddies like Jonathan
Davis from
Korn,
Snoop Dogg,
Dr. Dre,
Eminem
and, er, Pauly
Shore. Shore
also features as a pizza delivery guy in the silly kung-fu rip clip N 2 Gether
Now. My Generation gets a performance clip again. Rollin' has Durst taking Ben
Stiller's
car for a ride. My Way has a number of silly costumed studio set-ups. Boiler utilized
digitally enhanced freaky scenarios as Durst is pursued by weirdness. Eat You
Alive is a performance clip in in the swamp to an abducted girl. Behind Blue Eyes
is Fred's excuse to snog an Oscar Winner (don't think he'd want to slip Clint
Eastwood the tongue) - the song was used in the Gothika soundtrack and features
Halle Berry. Their other movie song, Mission: Impossible 2's Take A Look Around
isn't on here - probably a rights issue. Throughout the curse words are deleted
and rude signs blocked out. Not very rebellious or rock & roll - but no age restriction
means, more sales. There are no commentaries, behind the scenes footage or extras
of any kind. 4
/ A - PB LIONEL
RICHIE - The Collection After The
Commodores
and the disco days, Lionel Richie successfully launched a solo career. This DVD
contains 15 of his popular songs across his repertoire (mainly abundant during
the '80s). True, the fashion and video style is sometimes quite dubious, but as
a time capsule surely takes you back. The songs include My Destiny, All Night
Long, You Are, Say You Say Me (from the Mikhail Baryshnikov & Gregory Hines starring
White Nights
soundtrack), Dancing On The Ceiling, Running With The Night, Hello, Ballerina
Girl, Se La, Do It To Me, and Three Times A Lady (live performance). You can select
the order in which you want to view the clips and there is a look at the making
of Dancing On The Ceiling. Behind the scenes footage of the plotting, planning
and building of the rotating room plus rehearsals and interviews with everyone
from the director to choreographer gives the viewers who don't know how they used
to do this kind of pre-digital effect some insight. Regardless of the video style,
most of these songs are still very good. 4 / B - PB THE
LION KING With voices by James Earl Jones, Jeremy Irons, Billy Crystal, Rowan
Atkinson, Whoopi Goldberg, Cheech Marin One of the most successful Disney
offerings gets a video and DVD re-release. The tale of Simba, the young lion cub
whose dad is murdered by his uncle and ousted only to return years later to restore
the balance when he's a grown lion, contains many life aspects. There's the oft-referenced
circle of life, death's purpose highlighted. Danger, deceit, guilt, love, joy
and comedy all mix vibrantly as the artists' animation and music by Elton John
a.o. bring life to the characters. The crazy duo of Timon and Pumbaa (teaching
Simba the good life) got their own TV series shortly after the original release,
but to les effect as they shine in this original incarnation. Like so many animated
classics, this is one that will have an indefinite shelf life as each new generation
of youngsters discover it. This new version also features a brand new song,
the DVD boasting many extra features.5 / B - PB

LITTLE
BOY BLUE With Ryan Phillippe, Nastasja Kinski, John Savage Directed
by Intriguing little unknown film about a boy and his dysfunctional family.
An ex-military man turned Southern pub owner holds a deep dark secret. The exterior
gets peeled off slowly as the shocking truth is discovered by their oldest son
who cares for his younger brothers more than their father - or is he their father?
Cold and nasty at times with an underlying (and sometimes blatant) sexual tension
and perversion that becomes central to the plot. Phillipe is compelling, Savage
is wonderful and Kinski gets more beautiful the older she gets. 3 / C-
PB

LITTLE
ODESSA With Tim Roth, Edward Furlong, Maximillian Schell, Vanessa Redgrave
Directed by James Gray This cold, dark and depressing film deals with
Roth returning home to his Russian-Jewish home suburb in the Coney Island area.
His tarnished reputation is known to most but his younger brother, whom he hooks
up with while he’s there to take care of some “business”. Slow and labouring,
their mom is dying and their hard father won’t tolerate him in the house resulting
in some disturbing family conflict. Though it has an unconventional but predictable
ending, its redemption is nowhere to be found. Makes you wonder if the director
is as miserable as the subject matter he takes on. 3 / C-
PB

THE
LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS With Jonathan Haze, Jackie Joseph, Dick Miller, Myrtle
Vail, Tammy Windsor, Jack Nicholson Directed by Roger Corman Roger Corman,
the king of economical filmmaking hammered this baby out in 1960 in about three
days flat! This classic tells the tale of Seymour, a nerdy Skid Row florist assistant
who discovers a rare Venus Flytrap-type plant specie, but gets more than he bargained
for. This plant lives on human blood and Seymour only has so many fingers to prick.
Eventually as the communicating plant grows bigger, it starts demanding human
flesh! Things get out of control and Seymour succumbs to the plant's power (its
exotic presence in the failing store also suddenly boosting business). The movie
also features a pre-stardom Jack Nicholson in the small part of the masochistic
dental patient. Shot in black & white, Little
Shop Of Horrors
is actually pretty good and while often cheesy, elevates above your basic B-schlock.
It has received stage play versions across the globe and got an extraordinary
musical remake in the mid-'80s by Frank Oz. PS. This DVD's terrible cover
design simply lifted Nicholson's pic from The Shining!5 / B
- PB

LIVE
AND LET DIE With Roger Moore, Jane Seymour, Yaphet Kotto Directed by
Guy Hamilton 1973...and in steps Roger Moore. Widely criticised as not having
an ounce of acting talent, Roger will no less lull in my childhood memory as one
of the coolest guys around. The cheesy, witty, tongue in cheek romp is what makes
it so much fun. You just cheer James on as he pursues the Heroin trading Mr Big,
beats up voodoo baddies and beds a bunch of buxom babes in Jamaica and the US.
Bloody hell ! What a life ! The look of the films from this point onward also
seemed to take on a more modern feel - the new order being rung in with Paul McCartney's
new band (at the time, of course) Wings. Some of the classic scenes include the
double decker bus and speed boat chases. A year later The Man With The Golden
Gun had Britt Ekland thrill 007 in Hong Kong and Thailand. In stead of Christopher
Lee having a huge henchman, Nick Nack, a midget, gives a new twist to this role.
4 / A-
PB

LIVE
AID - 25 Years Ago Today The four disc ultimate collection of Bob
Geldof's original Live
Aid concert
on 13 July 2005 packs in all of the magic of this day. If you can overlook the
ample mullets, white trousers and surprisingly bad stage design, you'll be entertained
for
10 hours by
63 groups and artists who got together to raise money for starving people in Africa,
at Wembley Arena and simultaneously in the USA. They include everyone from Bob
Dylan, Mick Jagger, Queen, Sting, Elton John, The Who, Bryan Ferry, Pretenders,
George Michael, Style Council, Duran Duran Ultravox, Judas Priest, and David
Bowie, to Madonna, U2, Eric Clapton, Bryan Adams, Status Quo, Tom Petty,
Sade, Simple Minds, Spandau Ballet, Patti Labelle, and Run DMC, plus
a truckload more. With the situation hardly changed, the sad irony is that no
matter how much money or food you send, if the leaders remain corrupt and pandemic's
like AIDS cannot be curbed, should you give up, or still try whatever you can
regardless?5 / A - PB LIVE
8 July 2nd 2005 Sir Bob and his musician pals did it 20 years ago with
Live Aid to try and make a difference to starving countries. Has it helped?
This year they did it again with a thousand artists playing 9 simultaneously broadcasted
concerts across the globe to two million spectators and 3 billion viewers. Here
the plight is for the leaders of the big 8 counties to do something about the
harrowing conditions on our very own continent. With so many troubles on top of
the starvation like corrupt leaders and never-ending wars, it's even harder. But
education is also needed to curb the exorbitant procreate amid famine and war.
Bob and Bono took a briefcase to the G8 meeting at Gleneagles with
millions of signatures, and they pledged to boost aid by a substantial amount.
From legendary musos, favourites and newcomers across the Pop, Rock, Metal, Folk,
R&B, Rap, Hip-Hop and Vocal spectrum, hours of performances were packed onto these
4 discs: Disc 1: Paul McCartney, U2, Coldplay, Elton John, Dido, Yousou
N'Dour, R.E.M., Keane, Black Eyed Peas, Duran Duran, Muse, Travis, UB40, Green
Day, Snoop Dogg, Bon Jovi, Annie Lennox. This disc also contains the show's
biggest disgrace - the little Doherty moron from Baby Shambles butchering
Marc Bolan & T.Rex's legendary Children Of The Revolution with old fuddy-duddy
Sir Elton who tries his best to rescue the catastrophe. Disc 2: Destiny's
Child, Bryan Adams, Kanye West, Madonna, Will Smith, The Killers, Dave Matthews
Band, Daniel Powter, Linkin Park, Joss Stone, Alicia Keys, Velvet Revolver, Def
Leppard, Jet, Sarah McLachlan, Josh Groban, Sting. Disc 3: Mariah Carey,
Vusi Mahlasela, Roxy Music, Maroon 5, Neil Young, Pet Shop Boys, Robbie Williams,
Placebo, Rob Thomas, Faithless, Stevie Wonder, The Who, Paul McCartney & George
Michael. This disc also features the historic and long awaited Pink Floyd
reunion. Disc 4: The Proclaimers, Wet Wet Wet, Bob Geldof, The Thrills,
Texas, James Brown, Mohotela Queens, Maxi Jazz, Neneh Cherry & Will Young.
Extras include McFly, Good Charlotte, Björk, Tim McGraw, Shakira, Audioslave,
Ricky Gervais (from the Office), backstage footage and the Pink
Floyd rehearsal. Additional footage includes Midge Ure doing Vienna
with Eddie Izzard on the piano (!). A shocking film of starvation footage
(to music by The Cars), has an inspiring ending where footage of a child
near death back during the first Live Aid period two decades ago is punctuated
by the girl coming on stage, healthy and attending university. Enough to make
the tears flow, I guarantee you. The booklet contains a message from Bob and a
piece by Paul Vallely, and the artwork of the G8 leaders having a banquet of cake
in front of an emaciated kid is no subtle parody. 4 / B - PB

THE
LIVING DAYLIGHTS With Timothy Dalton, Maryam D'Abo, Jeroen Krabbe Directed
by John Glen When Moore departed, the race was on to get a new Bond that everyone
would approve of - no chance. Pierce Brosnan couldn't get out of his Remington
Steele TV show contract and the producers settled for acclaimed English stage
actor Timothy Dalton. He gave it his best shot and the result was two entertaining
films with a touch more realism to them. The seriousnous turned to more heavy
sub texts like Bond being the target and personal revenge. The subject of druglords
is a more visceral contemporary issue which hits a bit more closer to home than
a wacko with an accent and elaborate Bond dispatching devices who wants world
domination with stolen missiles - I mean really ! But, that is the Bond experience.
3 / B-
PB

THE
LONG GOOD FRIDAY With Bob Hoskins, Helen Mirren, Eddie Constantine, Dave
King Directed by John Mackenzie Bad Bob Hoskins again. This time the mob
and the IRA get entangled with plenty of violence jumped on the audience unexpectedly.
John Mackenzie explores this world with a fairly objective eye, but it's obvious
where our sympathies might lie. Look out for a bit part by a young Pierce Brosnan
who gets it, when in stead he was expecting to GET it, if you know what I mean.
Also features Helen Mirren, before she went to advertise for Richard Branson's
airline. 4 / B-
PB

LONG
WAY ROUND With Ewan McGregor, Charley Boorman This very entertaining BBC
Prime TV series is packed onto two discs in its entirety. Ewan McGregor, The Scotish
star of movies like Trainspotting,
Moulin
Rouge
and the recent Star
Wars
trilogy has a very strog passion for motorcycles together with his actor friend
Charley Boorman. The two got the wild idea to travel around the world on bikes
for a kick. It turned into an entire production and logistical operation. The
20 000 mile journey was documented with all of the thrills and sometimes life
threatening dangers as they drove through Europe, Russia and North America from
London to New York. They encounter fascinating people and places, some with no
roads whatsoever. Their personalities come through undiluted and their sense of
humour adds to the fun (unless they're struggling with bad weather, broken bikes
or fatigue). We ended up watching the entire series on a single Sunday. The show
also features music from many EMI / Virgin acts like Radiohead
and Massive
Attack.
Extras: Unseen Material, Photo Gallery, and (a not detailed enough) Exclusive
Post-Trip Interview. 5 / B - PB

LORD
OF THE RINGS - The Fellowship Of The Ring With Elijah Wood, Viggo Mortensen,
Ian Holm, Ian McKellan, Christopher Lee, Sean Bean, Liv Tyler Directed by
Peter Jackson I keep kicking myself that I constantly postponed reading J.R.R.
Tolkien's classic Lord Of The Rings books. Now after seeing this incredible
film, there would be little left for my imagination to create as this phenomenal
cinematic accomplishment pays so much attention to detail that my brain will merely
refer to the memory of it when encountering the situations in print. Be that as
it may, those who miss out on seeing this masterpiece will be as poor as I who
missed out on reading it. Tolkien's Middle Earth is a world inhabited by
good, evil, human, goblin, hobbit, troll and elf. Magic is a reality and one particular
piece of magic with a very dark lining was forged into a ring, which in the hand
of its evil master will cover the world with darkness. It is up to a young hobbit
and a band of assorted assistants, true of heart, to take this ring and destroy
it in the fires of Mount Doom before its master's monstrous servants get to it.
Their quest is a hard one with many obstacles, danger and perilous encounters
that may cost any or all of their lives in the blink of an eye. It's one heck
of a ride. The Tolkien trilogy was shot back to back over a period of two
years, the consecutive sequels to be released annually. An extremely talented
and technically brilliant production team integrated optical and digital effects
with live action with a virtually seamless beauty, and for hardly a moment do
you look at the amazing world created on screen as "fake". Those who feel the
need to bring up Harry Potter comparisons other than the ginormous anticipation
factor of both films, can forget about it, as it's two vastly different films
with Lord overshadowing Potter in almost every aspect, the latter
far more a kiddies movie than the more adult subject of discussion. To be able
to own such an awe-inspiring cinematic work is quite something. This first DVD
release comes in a digi-pak containing 2 discs with a nice little extras package,
including a look at its creation and interviews with stars, director and technical
staff on the enormous task to commit this enthralling tale to celluloid, from
inception to the final product. Theres a look at the development of the computer
game and more. True collectors will get this one anyway, but a special 4-disc
edition will also be available towards the end of the year including the director's
cut and loads more extras bits. But, even if there were no extras on this particular
release, the fact that it is presented in widescreen format is rewarding enough
- watching this film in any other cropped & chopped way borders on sacrilege.
It's still quite a kick knowing that this, one of the most immense trilogies in
film history was directed by Peter Jackson, the same New Zealand director who
made the gory laugh riots Bad Taste and Braindead (aka DeadAlive)!
Miss this and you truly miss out. 6 / A - PB

THE
LORD OF THE RINGS - The Two Towers With Elijah Wood,
Viggo Mortensen, Ian McKellan, Sean Astin, Christopher Lee, Liv Tyler Directed
by Peter Jackson With the yearly anticipation of these marvelous cinematic
translations of Tolkien's magical three part tale mid stream, what are we to look
forward to for year-end 2004? The producers said that if you thought the first
one was something, wait for the second part! This is true in many senses. The
story takes on a far more fragmented (yet unified) state. Our
multi-race fellowship assembled to take the ring for disposal in the fires of
Mount Doom in Mordor was split up at the end of part one. Our heroic Hobbit Frodo
and his mate Sam push ahead and encounter the (incredibly detailed, digitally
mapped) creature Golom (he won best digital character at the MTV movie awards).
Human Aragorn and his elf- and dwarf companion make up the trio searching for
the two klutzes Pippin & Merry who enter their own forest adventure. In their
search they hook up with the humans who seek refuge at Helm's Deep where the huge
and extreme battle between them and the evil army assembled to wipe man off the
face of Middle Earth ensues. The film does take a darker tone and is far more
aggressive due to the massively scaled battle sequences. Again there is so much
narrative and visual detail to warrant several viewings - and here on DVD is your
chance in full digital perfection. It does feel very much like an in-between chapter,
fulfilling its purpose perfectly. But, like the first installment, after a few
hours of mesmerizing visuals, genius storytelling and masterfully executed filmmaking,
when it ends, your only disappointment is the year's wait for the next part. Let's
just hope to god no TV series will get spawned from this. Even though the film
has a computer game based on it, some things need to remain sacred - even some
movies. If you can't wait for the special 4 disc edition with extra stupendously
detailed packaging (like the book and bookend statues from the first film), you'll
have to settle for this double disc first release. The full 172 minute theatrical
version of the film is presented on the first disc in the only logical format,
glorious widescreen. Disc 2 contains many featurettes and in-depth programmes
delving into the effort, sweat, creativity, skill and determination that was poured
into the making of this incredible second episode in this milestone cinematic
event. On set looks, explorations, explanations, interviews and more may take
some of the magic away for viewers who don't want the fantasy spoiled by the mechanics
of it all. But for those who love the technical details and exposing of the "how's
& why's", the looks at the dark forces, sound design, creatures, arms & armour
and the creation of Gollum will be well rewarded. In addition there is the music
video to Gollum's Song by Emiliana Torrini, a look at the special extended
version, the video game, a preview of The Return Of the King and a short
film and making of Sean Astin's (Sam), The Long And Short Of It. As usual
a scintillating, probing and entertaining package (until you've saved up enough
for the even more in depth collector's edition!). 6 / A - PBTHE
LORD OF THE RINGS - The Return Of The King
With Elijah Wood, Viggo Mortensen, Ian McKellen, Sean Astin, Orlando Bloom, Hugo
Weaving, Liv Tyler, Billy Boyd Directed by Peter JacksonCourage,
friendship, deceit, conviction and the titanic battle between good and evil unfolds
in this spectacular conclusion to Tolkien's trilogy. With Sauron defeated, the
journey of Frodo is not over yet, as he and Sam push forward (with the cunning
little shit Gollum) to cast the ring into the fires of Mount Doom. The ring is
sapping Frodo's power, will and resistance, and the schizo Gollum is not as helpful
as he pretends. Meanwhile the amassing Ork army advances on the remaining human
warriors who are outnumbered in their fortress at Gondor. After the scale of the
first two installments, I expected this last chapter to pale in its shadow - to
my joy it was as extravagant, inspiring and even more huge. The characters, their
motivations, strengths and weaknesses are by no means exhausted as this epic tale
reaches its climax. Again the combination of incredible FX and above all an amazing
story with true language utilization and emotional drive make this one satisfying
celluloid accomplishment and an incredible wrap up of a monumental cinematic feat.
And it's good to see that the film and Jackson finally got some recognition with
awards, as opposed to kudos reserved for technical and FX accomplishments. It
walked off with each of its nomnated Oscars, from best picture, director and adapted
screenplay to FX and song.6 / A - PB

LOSER
With Jason Biggs, Mena Suvari, Zak Orth, Greg Kinnear Directed by Amy
Heckerling Yep, you know what to expect here, don't you? Our man (and gal)
from American Pie seem to be typecast in this sort of teenflick for the new millennium
crap. Paul is a decent near-nerdy dude heading for college in the big city, NY,
but doesn't fit in - he studies hard while his dorm mates party hard. They treat
him like dirt and use him any chance they get. He doesn't fit in and all seems
crappy - till he meets a cute, off center girl. Paul's dorm mates oust him and
the only residence he can find is in an animal hospital where he helps out. His
friendship with Dora grows after his "mates" drug her drink and he nurses
her back to health. It seems like there's hope yet - but, she's involved with
one of their lecturers, a total asshole! Rude, crude & silly jokes compound to
the point where, yes, our underdog isn't such a loser after all. There are still
good guys in this world, you know. Aaah, shaaame! Features that grating little
loveable tune by Wheatus called Teenage Dirtbag. Click here for a
review of that Wheatussingle2 / B- PB

LOST
HIGHWAY With Bill Pullman, Patricia Arquette, Balthazar Getty, Robert Blake,
Natasha Gregson, Gary Busey, Robert Loggia Directed by David Lynch Where
does one begin? Do movies get any cooler than this? One of my favourite directors
David Lynch took his strange (but irresistibly appealing) cinema craft to another
level with this psychologically cosmic flip-out. The sanity of a saxophonist having
some marriage trouble spins out of control in the most innovative and baffling
of ways. When some videotapes of his house end up on his doorstep (shot both outside
and inside!), coupled with the appearance of a strange man who seems to know a
lot about him, he snaps, and is accused of murder. But, inside the prison cell,
he disappears and is replaced by a young man. The puzzling journey of identity
switching (or not) and psychogenic fugues carve open the possibilities of cinema
by refusing to go the prescribed route. Lost
Highway
is a brilliant film that is so cool, you don't need to know what the hell is going
on! Together with the trademark ambient Lynch-hum enhancing the uneasy experience,
he also selected a great soundtrack with Trent Reznor, tightly bound to the narrative
(by artists like David Bowie, Smashing Pumpkins, Marilyn Manson, Rammstein,
not to forget score composer Angelo Badalamenti), this is yet another Lynch
classic of visual and audio genius. 6 / A - PB …the
2nd opinion…LOST
HIGHWAY With Bill Pullman, Patricia Arquette, Balthazar Getty, Robert Blake,
Robert Loggia Directed by David Lynch This one has to be seen and experienced.
Taking regular narrative and throwing the rulebook out the window is what makes
this film so unique while it is still very Lynch. Pullman is a jazz musician who
seems to be losing his mind as his smooth life with his beautiful wife gets turned
upside down and around.. Meeting a weird, scary man who seems to haunt him and
finding he’d killed his wife, he ends up in jail. But…they find someone else in
the cell…!? Lynch called this the psychogenic fuge. Check it out, it’ll blow your
mind. And the soundtrack is killer.5 / A-
PP

LOST
IN TRANSLATION With Bill Murray, Scarlett Johansson, Anna Faris, Giovanni
Ribisi Written & Directed by Sofia Coppola Lost
In Translation is
an absolutely amazing little film by the daughter of Godfather
director Francis Ford Coppola. Sofia's not too impressive acting turn in the third
of her dad's mafia series was less than admirable. With this, her second film
as director (and writer), she proves to have found her calling. In a vibrant crowded
Tokyo, the story gets focused on two intersecting lives in a hotel. The one is
a middle-aged actor shooting a whiskey commercial and the other the young wife
a hip young photographer. Both are American and feel drowned within the cultural
divide while embracing it at the same time. It's the internal sense of boredom
and loneliness that draws them to one another. Old enough to be her father, the
tension of sexual possibility is superbly subdued. Hanging around to appear on
a talk show (hilarious when it happens), he finds the companionship of the girl
invigorating. Mentally older than her husband (always away on shoots), she finds
this new friend a breath of fresh air with his great sense of humour. When they
go out into the neon night their little universe expands briefly with the sights
and smells of Tokyo while not diverting from their connection. If this has to
be classified as a romantic comedy, it certainly surpasses any others made this
year. A well-deserved Golden Globe win for Bill Murray while Johansson's quiet
performance is of equal merit. The sentimentality does not leave that artificial
sweetener aftertaste as so many films do. On seeing this film you may run the
risk of wanting to visit this very interesting city. Sofia may not have lost
the 2004 Best Director Oscar® to Peter Jackson (Lord
Of The Rings),
but did walk off with the Best Writer statuette.5 / B - PB

THE
LOST WORLD - JURASSIC PARK With Jeff Goldblum, Julianne Moore, Vince Vaughn,
Pete Postlethwaite, Arliss Howard, Richard Attenborough Directed by Steven
Spielberg I expected the sequel to take place on mainland with Pterodactyls
flying across the ocean, or something of the sort. What they ended up doing was
simply reveal another island, Site B, where the same eco-system was created with
genetically bred dinosaurs, as in the first film, and where the dinos were bred
and shipped to the main island. And yes, our T-Rex does end up on mainland! Goldblum
returns, heading out to this island to find his ex who was doing research. Spielberg
managed to enter Michael Crichton's world again without merely rehashing the first
film, again offering an enjoyable slice of escapism. 4 / B - PB A
LOT LIKE LOVE With Ashton Kutcher, Amanda Peet, Kathryn Hahn, Kal Penn Directed
by Nigel Cole Ashton Kutcher and Amanda Peet irritate in this not very funny
romantic comedy stretched over several years. The two meet on a flight, connecting
to LA and New York respectively. After joining the mile high club in the loo,
they go their separate ways, but keep meeting over the years. It has that Serendipity
tone to it, but they try to go for a younger, more exuberant angle. The two characters
keep crossing paths along their life journey, never hooking up - the only mystery
for the viewer being the "when" as opposed to how. If the repeated bon Jovi song
done by Kutcher didn't irritate you enough in the trailer, there's no way you'll
enjoy it here, even in context.2 / C - PB

LOVE
ACTUALLY With Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, Bill Nighy, Liam Neeson, Alan Rickman,
Martine McKutcheon, Billy Bob Thornton Directed by Mike Newell With that
Four Weddings And A Funeral / Notting Hill
whiff about it, it's no surprise that its director sticks to what he knows best
(although Donnie Brasco was pretty good). The quirky English romantic comedy
is often hard to ignore. This mammoth crisscross of love stories involves a range
of related characters, be it as family, friends, couples, colleagues or neighbours,
from the prime minister to an aging pop star, divorcees to the bereaved, pre-teen
to middle-aged - Newell crams such a wide range of character types and situations
into his film that it could be easy to get lost. Yet he holds it all together
wonderfully, crafting a touching (and funny) film about that thing we just can't
escape. 4 / C - PB

LOVE'S
A BITCH (Amores Perros) With Emilio Echvarriá, Goya Toledo, Vanessa Bauche,
Jorge Salinas Directed by Alejándro Gonzalez Ifiárritu This Best Foreign
Film Oscar Nominee clocks in at 2 ½ hours and should in no way be a deterrent
- unless you're a steadfast Van Damme fan in which case the subtitles to this
dark and deep Mexican film will have you pass on by anyway. The filmmakers take
us on a journey through 3 sets of characters spread across the economic continuum
ranging from derelict to lower class and well off. From dirty and ugly to beautiful
and classy, all converge in one life-changing impacting incident, their separate
tales told up until then and from that point. The irrationality to which the overwhelming
essence of love, lust, money (or the lack of these) and the various emotions stemming
from them can drive individuals to, are reflected in a gritty, ultra-realistic
way. If you're an extreme dog lover, this film will definitely drive you to tears.
But rest assured that this is fiction and not a documentary. Many a reflection
and correlation can be drawn between man, dog, film title and life in this case,
so I'll leave it up to you once you've experienced this rich cinematic event.
As dogs can turn on each other, so can brothers - and where a hitman can have
little feelings for the human life he'd taken, his harmed dog can drive him to
tears. Such is the flavour of this powerful, multi-layered film where the presence
of love (even in twisted or distorted ways) can exist in a realm where life is
cheap. 6
/ A - PB

LOVE
SERENADE With Miranda Otto, Rebecca Frith, George Shevtsov Directed by
Shirley Barrett Fantastic Australian comedy. A big city radio DJ rolls a small
town, moves in next door to two sisters, his cool, smooth guy persona starting
to flow over their airwaves. The older of the sisters has her eye on him (and
he’s no looker, believe me - hardly a deterrent, though). The hard-up elder gets
fuming when he seems to have his eye on the younger sister who is quite a strange
one. It seems like such a simple, boring story, but it is absolutely amazing;
the great characters, acting, dialogue, loopy humour and super-weird surprises.
On top of that, the tunes he plays are great just like Barry Whites theme song.
A must-see. 5 / A -
PB

LUST
IN THE DUST With Divine, Tab Hunter, Lainie Kazan Directed by Paul Bartel
Bartel takes the piss out of the cowboy genre by assembling a nutty bunch
of characters, one as unsavoury as the next, turning the wild west into one smutty.
Funny place. Divine is our “lusty” damsel, Hunter our Eastwood-style character,
an assortment of bad guys spicing it up even more.3 / B -
PB

LUTHER
With Joseph Fiennes, Peter Ustinov, Alfred Molina, Claire Cox Directed
by Eric Till Martin Luther was the man who broke away from the Catholic Church's
financially fuelled salvation system, opening the wave for Christian worship without
restrictions or manipulation. As a German who also struggled with his faith, he
saw the hardship of peasants and how the Rome based church exploited them nonetheless.
By writing many papers ridiculing Rome for its ivory tower approach, ripping off
peasants around the globe to fill its coffers, the Vatican lashed out and attempted
to try him as a heretic. This biographical account of the man's revolutionary
trials and tribulations within his own faith (which also included translating
the New Testament into German so everyone can read it) is done so without frills
or glamour. I knew very little of the details of this man and his work (aside
from passing the church in Wittenberg where he nailed his outrage to the door
when I was in Europe). This is an enlightening look at faith and religion, and
the good it is supposed to hold, in a time where sectarian and belief differences
only seem to intensify. 4 / C - PB

LUTHER
VAN DROSS - Live At Wembley This old show from Luther's
Wembley performance shot on his 1988-89 tour packs in the old favourites like
Never Too Much, Any Love, Come Back, Searching, Give Me The Reason, Superstar
and Stop To Love. The unpretentious show does not rely on any gimmicks, just Luther
and his back-up singers in glitter outfits, the stage in the center of the arena.
Luther does his soulful, romantic R&B thing without as little as a hitch. Extra
material includes a concise biog and an album discography. 4 / C - PB